Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Imagine pulling a warm pan of baked oatmeal from the oven: the top is golden, the kitchen smells like cinnamon and roasted nuts, and breakfast feels like the highlight of your day. This Baked Oatmeal recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a cozy, comforting meal that’s endlessly customizable and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving guests or fueling up for a busy morning, you’ll love how wholesome, delicious, and simple this dish truly is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of baked oatmeal is how it turns a handful of basic ingredients into something magical. Each item here plays a starring role, bringing either rich flavor, luscious texture, or pop-of-color goodness to your breakfast table.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These create a hearty, chewy texture that gives classic baked oatmeal its satisfying feel.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel note that balances the warmth of the spices.
- Baking powder: Helps lift the oatmeal ever so slightly, so it’s light instead of dense.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances both the sweets and spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that cozy, breakfast-y aroma and taste everyone loves.
- Ground nutmeg: Provides depth and a little extra sparkle to the spice blend.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Makes the oatmeal creamy and binds the dry ingredients beautifully.
- Large eggs: Act as the glue, holding everything together and making the bake sliceable.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and keeps the oatmeal moist; choose butter for classic flavor or coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with warmth and complexity.
- Chopped fruit: Apples, berries, bananas—pick your favorites for a juicy burst in every bite.
- Chopped nuts or seeds (optional): Toss these in for crunch, color, and extra nutrition—the choice is yours!
How to Make Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a smidge of butter or cooking spray. This stops any sticking and ensures easy serving later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the spices and leavening; this step guarantees a uniform bite in every spoonful of your baked oatmeal.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Breaking up the eggs fully ensures they’ll blend smoothly into the oats later for that perfect, custardy texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly—no dry pockets allowed! You’re looking for an even, creamy mix, which is the base of your soon-to-be delicious baked oatmeal.
Step 5: Add the Fruit and Nuts
Fold in your chopped fruit and optional nuts or seeds. Gently mix so that every piece of fruit is coated in the creamy oat blend. This is where you can get creative, using what you love or whatever’s in-season.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is just beginning to turn golden and toasty. That irresistible aroma means it’s almost time to eat!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for several minutes before slicing. This short wait helps the structure set, so you can serve tidy squares and enjoy every creamy, fruity, nutty bite.
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a handful of fresh berries for a burst of freshness. Chopped nuts, extra fruit, or a quick dusting of cinnamon make your baked oatmeal feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your baked oatmeal with scrambled eggs or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast. A hot coffee or tea on the side creates a cafe-style vibe at home, making your morning routine feel like a real treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the oatmeal into squares and serve them stacked for a brunch platter, or spoon warm servings into bowls and top with cream for a comforting, cozy presentation. Want an on-the-go treat? Bake the mixture in muffin tins for individually portioned baked oatmeals everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra baked oatmeal keeps beautifully! Cool completely, cover the baking dish, or transfer portions to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, ready for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop them straight into the microwave when you need a breakfast boost.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about a minute, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk if you like it extra creamy!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can, though the texture will be much softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats are preferred for a hearty, traditional baked oatmeal, but quick oats work in a pinch if you like a softer bite.
Is baked oatmeal gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this baked oatmeal is entirely gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I make baked oatmeal overnight?
Absolutely! You can mix everything together, cover the dish, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a relaxed, no-stress breakfast that feels fresh-baked.
What are the best fruits to use?
Apples, berries, and bananas are all fantastic, but you can get creative with whatever you have. Try pears in the fall, peaches in the summer, or frozen mixed berries year-round for variety.
How do I make it vegan?
Swap the eggs for flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and sub coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy butter. You’ll still get a deliciously moist, comforting baked oatmeal that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make breakfast your favorite meal of the day, give this baked oatmeal a try. With endless ways to customize and a flavor that always feels like a hug, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Have fun, experiment with your favorite mix-ins, and let the aroma fill your home!
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Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day right with this delicious Baked Oatmeal recipe. Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts, it’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast option that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped fruit (such as apples, berries, or bananas)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix. Add chopped fruit and nuts.
- Bake: Spread mixture in baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it; just bake it in the morning.
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs and plant-based milk and butter.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
